EP1026651A1 - Multilayered label, method for producing same and use of such a label - Google Patents

Abstract

Several printable inner layers (A3-A6) are incorporated in the multi-layered label. They are foldable between an outer lower layer (A1) and an outer upper layer (A2). The outer lower and upper layers are connected on one side by a fold and on a side opposite to the fold the outer layers extend with a tab (19,20) over the inner layers. Devices are provided to releasably connect the two outer layers in the area of the tabs. The outer and inner layers are a cohesive part area of a single sheet-form print carrier (11) foldable along vertically running fold lines (14-16).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to the field of labeling technology. she relates to a multi-layer label, in particular a prospectus label, which a Includes a plurality of printable inner layers that can be opened between an outer lower layer and an outer upper layer are arranged, with the outer lower layer and the outer upper layer on one side over a fold are hingedly connected to each other, and on an opposite of the fold Protrude side over the inner layers with a flap, and wherein first means are provided to the two outer layers in the To connect the area of the tabs detachably and reclosable.

Such a label is e.g. known from US-A-5,324,559.

The invention further relates to a method for producing a label and an application of such a label.

STATE OF THE ART

When selling chemical, pharmaceutical or similar products that due to their properties and / or legal regulations regarding them It is properties, use and risks that require explanation increasingly necessary, on the packaging, a box, canister or the like, corresponding To provide information. Because the information is usually extensive are difficult to put on a simple label be glued to the outside of the packaging.

A large number of proposals have therefore been made in the prior art, to create a label that is printed by a plurality of hinged, printed Lies with a small footprint when folded unfolding a sufficiently large area to accommodate information provides. Such multilayer labels are - since they are not uncommon have the shape of a small booklet - also under the concept of "booklet label" known. A wide variety of requirements apply to "booklet labels" On the one hand, they should - especially with large quantities - Not too expensive to manufacture and attach to the packaging his. On the other hand, they have to be designed in such a way that they are low on the one hand Risk of damage to the packaging and on the other hand from End users are easy to open and read. After all, it is useful or sometimes even necessary that the label is secure even after opening remains on the packaging or can be closed again.

A commonly used technique is a multi-fold print carrier or a multi-page booklet on top of a self-adhesive To stick and cover with a transparent adhesive film, the can be opened later along a line of perforations or the like to the Unfold the print carrier or the booklet. As an example of this technique to US-A-5,830,550 and the prior art cited therein. The Production of such labels is due to the required lamination and Punching operations are comparatively complex. Beyond opening reclosing along the perforation line is practically no longer possible, so that the opened label is torn off the packaging slightly unintentionally can be.

Another technique is to use a suitable tool to fold the label such as. to seal an adhesive sealing strip and directly by means of a layer of adhesive on the packaging container. An example of this Technology is found in US-A-4,529,229. Despite the comparative disadvantage simple construction that the separate sealing strip is pulled off completely can and so the resealability is lost.

Other solutions seal the folded label without using additional ones Adhesive strips through the use of adhesive dots between the inside the layers of the label placed on each other during the last folding. Examples for this technique can be found in US-A-4,010,299 or US-A-5,813,700. The disadvantage here is that the closure by placing the adhesive points in the center of the folded layer only has a selective effect and the label during transport the packaging at the corners slightly opened accidentally and then damaged can be.

Modified solutions as described in US-A-4,637,633 or US-A-5,351,991 use a self-closing of the folded label, but also need to be cut open along a perforation line to open, whereby there is no resealability.

Another solution, described for example in US-A-4,868,027, forms a tear-open pocket on the packaging container, in which the folded Removable label is inserted and from which it is after the Opening of a tear strip can be removed. Not only is the manufacture and attaching the bag more expensive than with other solutions, but the label may also be lost after opening the bag because it is not captively connected to the container.

To the disadvantages of the above One has to avoid solutions in the aforementioned US-A-5,324,559 proposed a "booklet label", in which by appropriate multiple folding of a printed output sheet along orthogonal fold lines, glue together in one of the fold lines and then Cut the vertical edges to a multi-sided foldable Booklet is generated, which is directly on the back of the container is glued. To close the booklet are on the bottom and upper layer (side) of the booklet on the opposite side of the book spine Page provided over the booklet tabs provided by a suitable cut of the starting sheet are generated and the detachable and are resealable glued together. This known solution leaves are comparatively easy to manufacture and attach to the container. By the The tabs glue together over the entire width of the booklet a secure, captive and reclosable closure that prevents unintentional opening is comparatively well protected. However, it is disadvantageous the design of the label in book form because on the one hand an additional one Gluing in one of the fold lines and additional trimming of the edges necessary are, and because on the other hand the book form is a representation of the information on a large contiguous area.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a label that has these disadvantages avoids and in particular even easier to manufacture and attach to the container and a coherent, clear presentation of the information allows on the label.

The object is achieved by the entirety of the features of claim 1. The essence of the invention is the adhesive closure by means of two protruding Tabs on the top and bottom layers of the label on a label provide that by appropriately folding a single sheet Print carrier along orthogonal fold lines results. The label is closed so securely easy to open and to close again if necessary. At the same time, it can be unfolded to the full size of the original Spread out the sheet so that the information is large and coherent can be represented.

This is a first preferred embodiment of the label according to the invention characterized in that the first means comprise an adhesive which is applied the inside of at least one of the tabs that is applied on the inside one tab is applied with a pressure-sensitive adhesive that is particularly sensitive to pressure and that the inside of the other tab is provided with a release coating is and that the glue in the form of localized glue dots on the tab is applied. As a result, the minimum Opening and reclosing the label is particularly easy.

A second preferred embodiment of the label according to the invention draws is characterized in that on the label second means for attaching the label are provided on a container and that the second means an adhesive layer, preferably made of a hot melt adhesive, which comprise on the outside the outer lower layer is applied.

The method according to the invention for producing a label is characterized in that that in a first step starting from a rectangular one Print carrier by separating two strip-shaped areas on two opposite Edges along corresponding cut lines over one of one third edge up to a vertical fold line, the two flaps are generated in a second step that the print carrier along each other vertical fold lines are folded so that a A plurality of inner layers can be opened between an outer lower layer and an outer upper layer are arranged, the outer lower layer and the outer top layer on one side can be folded open with a fold are connected, and on a side opposite the fold over the inner layers each protrude with one of the tabs that in a third Step the folded print carrier by releasably gluing the two tabs together is closed, and that in a fourth step the back of the folded and sealed print carrier or label with an adhesive layer is provided.

A preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention is thereby characterized that within the first step before separating the strip-shaped areas are initially notch-shaped at both ends of the vertical fold line Die cuts are made in the print carrier along of the vertical fold line extend beyond the cut lines. Through the die cuts a defined limitation of the cutting lines is reached, so that the Separation of the strip-shaped areas is made considerably easier.

The manufacture of the labels is particularly simple if according to another preferred embodiment of the inventive method within the fourth step a carrier equipped with a release coating with a Adhesive layer is provided, and the folded and sealed label with the Back is pressed onto the carrier provided with the adhesive layer in order to if necessary, from the carrier together with the adhesive layer adhering to the label to be deducted.

Further embodiments result from the dependent claims.

The inventive use of the label according to the invention is thereby characterized in that the container has a surface on which the label is attached that spacing means are provided in the surface, which are adjacent Keep container at a distance, and that the label with the sealed Tabs attached to the spacer adjacent to the surface. This ensures maximum protection of the label against accidental damage reached during transport and storage.

The spacing means preferably comprise a circumferential bead protruding outwards.

BRIEF EXPLANATION OF THE FIGURES

Fig. 1

einen bereits mit Ausstanzungen versehenen Druckträger in Form eines Druckbogens mit eingezeichneten Faltlinien und Schnittlinien für die Erzeugung der Verschlusslaschen gemäss einem bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung;

Fig. 2

den Bogen aus Fig. 1 nach dem Abtrennen der streifenförmigen Randbereiche entlang der Schnittlinien aus Fig. 1;

Fig. 3

in perspektivischer Darstellung das ziehharmonikaförmige Zusammenfalten des Bogens aus Fig. 2 entlang der zwei vertikalen Faltlinien;

Fig. 4

in perspektivischer Darstellung das weitere Zusammenfalten des Bogens aus Fig. 3 entlang der horizontalen Faltlinie;

Fig. 5

das vollständig zusammengefaltete Etikett, welches durch Klebpunkte zwischen den überstehenden Laschen verschlossen ist;

Fig. 6

eine schematisierte Anlage zum Aufbringen der Kleberschicht auf die Rückseite der einzelnen gefalteten und verschlossenen Etiketten aus Fig. 5;

Fig. 7

den bandförmigen Träger mit den aufgeklebten Etiketten, wie er zur Weiterverarbeitung der Etiketten geeignet ist, in der Draufsicht;

Fig. 8

das schematisiert dargestellte Ablösen der Etiketten vom Träger zum Anbringen an der zu etikettierenden Verpackung; und

Fig. 9

ein bevorzugtes Ausführungsbeispiel für eine Verpackung, die der Art des anzubringenden Etiketts optimal angepasst ist.

The invention will be explained in more detail below on the basis of exemplary embodiments in connection with the drawing. Show it

Fig. 1

a print carrier already provided with punched-out areas in the form of a printed sheet with drawn fold lines and cut lines for the production of the closure flaps according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2

1 after the strip-shaped edge regions have been cut off along the section lines from FIG. 1;

Fig. 3

in a perspective view the accordion-shaped folding of the sheet of Figure 2 along the two vertical fold lines.

Fig. 4

the further folding of the sheet of Figure 3 along the horizontal fold line in a perspective view.

Fig. 5

the completely folded label, which is closed by adhesive dots between the protruding flaps;

Fig. 6

a schematic system for applying the adhesive layer on the back of the individual folded and closed labels from Fig. 5;

Fig. 7

the tape-shaped carrier with the glued-on labels, as it is suitable for further processing of the labels, in plan view;

Fig. 8

the schematically shown detachment of the labels from the carrier for attachment to the packaging to be labeled; and

Fig. 9

a preferred embodiment for packaging that is optimally adapted to the type of label to be attached.

WAYS OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The preferred embodiment of the invention shown in the figures starts from a rectangular sheet-like printing medium 11 or printing sheet, as shown in Fig. 1. The print carrier 11 can be, for example printed piece of paper of suitable quality. But it is also quite conceivable to use other thin, printable and foldable materials as print media. In Fig. 1 are already on the print carrier 11 in dashed lines different fold lines 14, 15 and 16, and two in dash-dotted lines Section lines 17 and 18 are drawn. In the exemplary embodiment, the fold lines comprise two parallel, vertical fold lines 15 and 16, the middle of a horizontal Fold line 14 to be crossed; other numbers and arrangements of Fold lines are also conceivable. The fold lines 14, 15 and 16 divide the Print carrier 11 in six areas of approximately the same size, which as individual layers A1, .., A6 lie one above the other in the label 10 (FIG. 5) which is folded up later. The The area of a single one of the layers A1, .., A6 therefore essentially corresponds to that Area of the folded label 10.

The two layers A1 and A2 to the left of the vertical fold line 15 form the lower one outer and the upper outer layer of the folded label 10, between which after the folding the other layers A3, .., A6 are arranged are. At the bottom of the upper outer layer A2 and at the top of the lower outer layer A1 by suitable cutting of the print carrier 11 (Fig. 1 and 2) tabs 19 and 20 formed, which later folded over Project label 10 and use it to close label 10 become. The tabs 19 and 20 preferably extend over the entire length of the respective edge or over the entire width of the layers A1 and A2. In this way, a particularly secure closure of the label 10 is achieved. The tabs 19, 20 on the edges of the layers A1, A2 are thereby formed that to the right of the vertical fold line 15 along the section lines 17, 18th corresponding strip-shaped areas on the upper edges of the layers A3 and A5 and the lower edges of layers A4 and A6 cut off become.

So that the cutting lines 17, 18 have a defined limitation on the folding line 15, preferably before the strips are separated 15 notches at both ends of the vertical fold line 12, 13 introduced into the print carrier 11, which along the vertical fold line 15 each extend beyond the section lines 17, 18. This can be done, for example happen that a plurality of print media 11 stacked into a stack and then the stack accordingly in a punching process the die cuts are provided. After creating the cutouts 12, 13, the print carriers 11 can be individually separated by a (e.g. with Equipped with cutting rollers) where the strip-shaped Areas along the section lines 17, 18 are separated. To cutting results in the state of the pressure carrier 11 shown in FIG. 2 with the tabs 19 and 20 protruding above and below.

The print carrier 11 thus prepared can now be folded in two successive steps (Fig. 3 or Fig. 4) to be folded into the finished label 10. In a first folding process (Fig. 3) the print carrier is in the vertical fold lines 15 and 16 folded so that layers A3, A4 and A5, A6 over layers A1, A2 come to rest. This can take the form of an accordion (in opposite directions), as shown in Figure 3; it can also be folded in twice done in the same direction. The first folding process results in the Fig. 4 shown intermediate state where the layers A3, A4 and A5, A6 over the layers A1, A2 lie and only the tabs 19 and 20 protrude sideways. In this Preparations for closing the label can now be made be by preferably on the inside of a tab 19 in particular pressure-sensitive pressure sensitive adhesive in the form of several adhesive dots 21 is applied, and the inside of the other tab 20 with a corresponding Separating coating is provided, which easy opening and reclosing of the sealed label guaranteed. Instead of the glue dots 21, an adhesive strip running over the tab 19 can also be provided become. Likewise, it is also conceivable for the adhesive dots 21 or Apply the release coating before folding in the state shown in FIG. 2.

Are the adhesive dots 21 and the release coating on the tabs 19 and 20, respectively applied, the print carrier 11 can be folded horizontally in a second process Fold line 14 are folded (Fig. 4). By gluing the tabs 19, 20 the closed label 10 then results (FIG. 5). While the top side of the label 10 expediently for general information about the content of the labeled container or a product promotion is used, the lower one, rear side of the label for sticking the label 10 onto the container intended. Because the labels are stuck onto the containers for larger quantities of product or container numbers, preferably using an assembly line process is carried out, it is desirable to use the labels 10 prepared for the adhesive to have one behind the other on a band-shaped carrier 22, the additional is provided with a perforation 28 suitable for further transport (FIG. 7).

This type of feeding to the labeling station on a band-shaped carrier 22 can advantageously be used to equip the sealed labels 10 with a rear adhesive layer in a simple manner and without additional To realize punching processes. This is done according to the schematic representation in Fig. 6, the band-shaped carrier 22, which consists for example of paper and provided on the top with a silicone layer as a separating layer ("siliconized") is guided over two rollers 25, 27. On the siliconized top of the carrier 22 are directly on the one roller 25 by means of an application device 23, which has a slit-shaped opening at its end Adhesive nozzle 33 has a rectangular shape at regular intervals Adhesive layers 24 applied, the dimensions of which are roughly the dimensions correspond to the closed label 10 or are somewhat smaller.

A hot-melt adhesive such as that is preferably used for the adhesive layers the expert e.g. is known under the type designation Hotmelt T610. A hot melt adhesive this type is at about 160 ° C by directly attaching the adhesive nozzle 33 applied to the carrier 22, while the carrier 22 with a moderate speed of 20-30 cm / s over the rollers 25, 27 runs. On the individual adhesive layers 24 are after a few seconds of further transport subsequently the closed one after the other by means of a transfer device 26 Labels 10 placed without additional pressure. During the carrier 22 with the applied labels 10 the 2-3 m long distance between the rolls 25 and 27 covered, the labels 10 sink through their own weight into the ones below Adhesive layers 24 that the adhesive layers 24 each completely and stick all over to the undersides of the labels 10. By the simply putting the labels down and sinking in is surprisingly achieved that the labels do not slip in their position and not undesirable Can wrinkle. Behind the roller 27, the carrier 22 with the Labels 10 are then either rolled up for further use or as a Continuous form folded in a zigzag can be stored in a container. Become then later in the labeling station the labels are detached from the carrier 22 (Fig. 8), the adhesive layer 24 adheres to the label 10 and completely detaches from the siliconized carrier 22. However, it is also conceivable to label 10 on another, to provide the person skilled in the art with an adhesive layer on the back. In particular, the adhesive layer 24 with the hot-melt adhesive can in each case can also be applied directly to the back of the label 10 and coated in this way Labels are then placed on top of those with a release liner Carrier 22 from e.g. siliconized paper.

The localized adhesive spots 21 between the tabs 19, 20 have the advantage that one can open the label 10 relatively easily with the fingers in the non-glued Grip the area between the tabs and separate them can. On the other hand, the label 10 can also be opened accidentally more easily and become damaged, for example, during transport or storage (e.g. in a container) several labeled containers close to each other stand and can move relative to each other. To such a To avoid damage or make it less likely, it is advantageous to if containers 29 are used in the application of the labels 9 in the area 32 on which the label 10 is attached, Have spacers that keep adjacent containers at a distance. Such Spacers can e.g. a horizontally revolving around the container 29, include outwardly projecting bead 30. The label 10 is then with the closed tabs 19, 20 adjacent to the spacing means or the bead 30 attached to the surface 32 and is thus protected against damage.

REFERENCE SIGN LIST

10th

Label (multilayer)

11

Print carrier (sheet)

12.13

Punching

14

Fold line (horizontal)

15.16

Fold line (vertical)

17.18

Cutting line

19.20

Tab

21

Glue point

22

Carrier (band-shaped)

23

Application device

24th

Adhesive layer

25.27

role

26

Transfer device

28

Perforation

29

container

30th

Surround (all around)

31

Fold

32

area

33

Glue nozzle

A1, .., A6

location

Claims (17)

Multi-layer label (10), in particular brochure label, which a Includes a plurality of printable inner layers (A3, .., A6) that can be opened between an outer lower layer (A1) and an outer upper layer (A2) are arranged, the outer lower layer (A1) and the outer upper layer (A2) are hinged together on one side via a fold (31), and on a side opposite the fold (31) over the inner layers (A3, .., A6) each protrude with a tab (19 or 20), and the first means (21) are provided to the two outer layers (A1, A2) in the area of To connect tabs (19, 20) in a detachable and reclosable manner, characterized in that the inner and outer layers (A1, .. A6) are connected Are partial areas of a single sheet-like print carrier (11), which by folding the print carrier (11) along perpendicular to each other Fold lines (14, .., 16) are formed. Label according to claim 1, characterized in that the first means comprise an adhesive which on the inside of at least one of the tabs (19, 20) is applied. Label according to claim 2, characterized in that on the inside one pressure-sensitive adhesive is applied to one tab (19) and that the inside of the other tab (20) with a release coating is provided. Label according to one of claims 2 and 3, characterized in that that the adhesive in the form of localized adhesive spots (21) on the tab (19) is applied. Label according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that on the label (10) second means (24) for attaching the label (10) to one Containers (29) are provided. Label according to claim 5, characterized in that the second means comprise an adhesive layer (24), preferably made of a hot-melt adhesive, which is applied on the outside of the outer lower layer (A1). Label according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the tabs (19, 20) substantially over the entire width of the folded Extend pressure carrier (11). A method of making a label according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that in a first step starting from a rectangular print carrier (11) by separating two strip-shaped areas on two opposite edges along corresponding cutting lines (17, 18) over a from a third edge to a vertical fold line (15) Partial length the two tabs (19, 20) are produced in one second step of the print carrier (11) along folding lines perpendicular to each other (14, 15, 16) is folded up so that a plurality of inner layers (A3, .., A6) can be opened between an outer lower layer (A1) and a outer upper layer (A2) are arranged, the outer lower layer (A1) and the outer upper layer (A2) can be folded open on one side via a fold (31) are interconnected, and on one of the fold (31) opposite Side over the inner layers (A3, .., A6) each with one of the tabs (19 or 20) survive that in a third step the folded print carrier by releasable Gluing together the two tabs (19, 20) is closed, and that in a fourth step is the back of the folded and closed print carrier (11) or the label (10) is provided with an adhesive layer (24). A method according to claim 8, characterized in that within the first step before separating the strip-shaped areas notch-shaped punch-outs (12, 13) are introduced into the print carrier (11) along the vertical fold line (15) each extend beyond the cutting lines (17, 18). Method according to one of claims 8 and 9, characterized in that that in particular before the third step on the inside of one tab (19) pressure sensitive adhesive is applied, and that the inside of the another tab (20) is provided with a release coating. Method according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that that within the fourth step a one equipped with a release coating Carrier (22) is provided with an adhesive layer (24), and that the folded and sealed label (10) with the back on the with the adhesive layer (24) provided carrier (22) is applied, if necessary from the Carrier (22) is removed together with the adhesive layer (24) adhering to the label (10) to become. A method according to claim 11, characterized in that the carrier (22) is formed in a band shape that the carrier (22) in the longitudinal direction with a Adhesive layer (24) is provided, which in a variety of successive is divided into separate areas, each approximately the size of a label (10) and that on the carrier (22) successively on each of the adhesive layer areas a label (10) is applied in each case. Method according to one of claims 11 and 12, characterized in that that a paper coated with a silicone layer is used as the carrier (22) a hot-melt adhesive is used as the adhesive for the adhesive layer (24) the labels (10) are each placed on the adhesive layer (24), and that the carrier (22) with the applied labels (24) is only further processed after the labels (24) have had enough time, sink in with to connect the underlying adhesive layer (24) over the entire surface. Method according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that that the labels (10) in each case on the back with an adhesive layer (24) are provided, and that the thus coated labels (10) for further processing with the back of one with a release coating Carrier (22) can be placed. A method according to claim 14, characterized in that as an adhesive a hot-melt adhesive is used for the adhesive layer (24) and that as a carrier paper coated with a silicone layer is used. Use of a label according to one of claims 1 to 7 in one Container (29), characterized in that the container (29) has a surface (32) on which the label (10) is attached, that in the surface spacer (30) are provided which keep adjacent containers at a distance, and that the label (10) with the closed tabs (19, 20) on the spacer (30) is attached adjacent to the surface (32). Use according to claim 16, characterized in that the spacing means one projecting horizontally around the container (29) and projecting outwards Include surround (30).

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